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9:30 Coffee Break: Innovators of Modern Rock

Posted at 9:03 AM on October 6, 2011 by Jacquie Fuller (36 Comments)
Filed under: 9:30 Coffee Break

Yesterday, the world lost a visionary with the death of Steve Jobs, founder and two-time CEO of Apple. To honor Jobs, let's hear songs from innovators ... in music. Nominate an artist or band from the last thirty or so years who broke new ground - and give us a few words why you think they're worthy of recognition. (Let's skip the obvious pioneers from the early years of rock and roll for this one - and focus on artists 1975 to the present.)

Songs played:
Talking Heads, "Once In A Lifetime"
Bjork, "Venus As A Boy"
Prince, "1999"
Radiohead, "All I Need"
Devo, "Jocko Homo"

Comments (36)

Run DMC - Arguably, more than any other rap group, they are responsible for bringing rap to the masses. They wrote ingenius songs & brought together fashion & rap.

Posted by Lyndee | October 6, 2011 9:19 AM

For Your Love - The Yardbirds
Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On - Jerry Lee Lewis

Posted by Brandon | October 6, 2011 9:21 AM

Kiss. They were the first to commodify heavy metal. Much like Steve Jobs, they were not the first to use most of the ideas that they had, but they were the first to put all the pieces together, package it as a single, slick product, and sell it to the masses. Despite being a product that was designed to move units as fast as possible, they were able to define rebellion for several generations, from the late seventies, up until Grunge killed Hair metal in the early 90s.

Posted by Peter | October 6, 2011 9:22 AM

The Beatles- "A Day in the Life" or "Tomorrow Never Knows"
Anything by the Pixies, Velvet Underground, Bob Dylan, Hendrix, or Radiohead.

Posted by Topher Boyd | October 6, 2011 9:22 AM

Prince. Rightfully being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they have on their website a quote from Rolling Stone from 1989: "Perhaps more than any other artist, Prince called the tune for pop music in the Eighties, imprinting his Minneapolis sound on an entire generation of musicians both black and white.” His impact on the sound of 80s music and beyond in undeniable.

Posted by Todd | October 6, 2011 9:24 AM

DEVO! -- They were the first group to bring nerdy, synth-driven rock to the masses. Even listening to their classic tracks now...they still sound fresh/innovative compared to a lot of new music out there.

Posted by (JL) | October 6, 2011 9:25 AM

Anything from Kraftwerk! - There sound influenced the electronic music scene we know today!

Posted by Alex Garza | October 6, 2011 9:25 AM

Great topic, guys!

I think Bjork should be considered - she's always pushing the envelope in music and isn't afraid to experiment with a variety of genres. Any song will do!

Posted by Jay | October 6, 2011 9:26 AM

So, not all innovations are great, in my opinion, but you can't deny that Auto-tune changed music, even if you think it's for the worse. So you could choose Cher's 'Believe' as the first Auto-tuned song we were forced to listen to. Or you could pick one of the early adopter/abusers of the technology, T-Pain. I don't really know any of his songs, or if they are radio-friendly.

There's also Brian Eno, who is widely (it's on Wikipedia!) regarded as an innovator, both in his solo work and as a producer. You could play "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" by Genesis. (I love that album - wish I had it.)

Posted by cal | October 6, 2011 9:26 AM

Kraftwerk - Pocket Calculator
Electronic pioneers, and iPhones have a calculator and fit in your pocket

Posted by dc | October 6, 2011 9:27 AM

I would argue that Nirvana had an impact on popular music when they released Nevermind. It shifted popular music at the time away from pop and highlighted grunge, alternative and rock music.

Posted by Elise | October 6, 2011 9:27 AM

this says it all:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zxxM9EYQzY
dont know who they are but innovative for sure.

Posted by kent | October 6, 2011 9:27 AM

Rage Against The Machine

Posted by Oj | October 6, 2011 9:28 AM

The Ramones
Nirvana
Radiohead- The Bends and Ok Computer to be specific

Posted by C | October 6, 2011 9:29 AM

The Ramones

Iggy Pop

Television

Lou Reed

King Crimson

Laurie Anderson

Gang of Four

Prince

Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis

Janelle Monae

Posted by Craig Kepler | October 6, 2011 9:29 AM

Neil Young- godfather of grunge. Although rust never sleeps is probably the first instance of grunge, re-ac-tor is an overlooked gem with a fine example of his grungy talent - specifically "Shots". Otherwise, "Welfare Mothers" or "Sedan Delivery" from Ruist never sleeps are fine choices as well.

Posted by Jordon | October 6, 2011 9:29 AM

I think Chicago by Sufjan Stevens, the guy redefined folk music with Illinoise.

Posted by Joel | October 6, 2011 9:30 AM

Joan Jett--she fought to be one of the first hard rockin' ladies. She was turned down by record labels but that didn't stop her from starting her own. I'd love to hear "Bad reputation"

Posted by Katherine | October 6, 2011 9:31 AM

The Moody Blues - "Nights In White Satin" or "Tuesday Afternoon"

WHY? They were asked to create the first ever orchestral rock album that demonstrated the Decca stereo sound. They were asked originally to do a rock version of Dvorak's "new world symphony" but instead used their own songs and combined it with the orchestra. The album became "Days of Future Passed" in 1967 It paved the way for other orchestral rock music

Posted by casey | October 6, 2011 9:31 AM

Recent: The Knife - Silent Shout, Spoon
Past: The Smiths, The Pixies, Can

Posted by Erik Nolke | October 6, 2011 9:31 AM

Also, Paul Simon (graceland- Diamonds on the Soles of her shoes and Boy in the bubble)

You could play Joan Baez since Steve Jobs used to date her.

Posted by C | October 6, 2011 9:31 AM

And oh my god Tom Waits, Frank Zappa, and Ozzy. I can't believe I forgot them.

Posted by Topher Boyd | October 6, 2011 9:31 AM

RADIOHEAD: They've been nothing but innovative throughout their career. Experimenting with styles & sounds, defied genres, "leaking" albums on the internet, letting you pay whatever you want for a album, standing up for good causes. They've embraced technology in alot of ways but have managed to stay relatively grounded.

In short, they managed to do whatever the hell they wanted over the years.

Posted by bob | October 6, 2011 9:31 AM

Refused

Posted by Erik | October 6, 2011 9:33 AM

Thomas Dolby

electronic innovator in his music, later involved with music file formats and mobile phone music. His song "She Blinded Me With Science" might also play into the theme.

Posted by Dan | October 6, 2011 9:33 AM

Rolling Stones Paint it Black - first number one single to feature a sitar.
Bob Dylan Like a Rolling Stone 6 minute hit single.

Posted by sd | October 6, 2011 9:34 AM

Correction about the Moody Blues

The record label was DERAM not Decca

Posted by casey | October 6, 2011 9:34 AM

1975 on - oops.

Posted by sd | October 6, 2011 9:37 AM

I have to go with R.E.M. Most people would credit them for ushering in the era of modern or alternative rock.

I would also suggest Arcade Fire.

Posted by Patrick | October 6, 2011 9:38 AM

"Rapper's Delight" by the Sugar Hill Gang - Arguably THE very first rap song that ushered in the rap era!

Posted by borkum riff | October 6, 2011 9:43 AM

Wow! Love and AGREE with every artist you've played. What a fun mix for my morning work!

Posted by Nanner | October 6, 2011 9:49 AM

The Clash...from London Calling through Combat Rock they were unstoppable.

David Sylvian...from his work with Japan (Tin Drum) and his solo work he created and recreated himself in so many innovative ways...plus he did his time in the Twin Cities during the early 90's.

Posted by Chris Pfalzgraf | October 6, 2011 9:58 AM

"innovative" can be a little subjective, but I'd vote for Joy Division and Nine Inch Nails.
"Pretty Hate Machine" was a much needed departure from being subjected to the likes of Poison. Otherwise, tough to disagree with other postings...

Posted by p | October 6, 2011 9:59 AM

Pixies! So ahead of their time...Kurt Cobain said everything he ever did was just ripping off the Pixies.

Posted by Bryan | October 6, 2011 10:37 AM

Anything by the group Japan, ahead of their time and in a league all their own. Sex Pistols ,Clash and Ramones for jumpstarting the music scene in the late '70's. Let's not forget Klaus Nomi, no one could top him!

Posted by Marty Esparza | October 6, 2011 10:44 AM

To honor Jobs!!!- a men of worth...!
Yes, I agree....post by p...ïnnovative can be a little subjective".....maybe-Kanzas

Posted by top songs lyrics | October 7, 2011 5:22 AM

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